Ronald James Huddleston

June 19, 1973 – September 28, 2018

Ronald “Ron” James Huddleston of San Diego, CA, was born on June 19, 1973 and passed away on Friday, September 28, 2018 in San Francisco, California. A much-beloved son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague, Ron is survived by his parents, Margarita and John Ronald Huddleston, his sister Jennifer Ranglas (her husband Tom Ranglas, and their daughter Demitra “Demi” Ranglas), his brother Eric Huddleston (his wife Heather Huddleston), and his former wife Rebecca Rothberg Huddleston. Ron was born in Mobile, Alabama but spent most of his toddler years in San Diego, California and in Sitka, Alaska before his family relocated back to San Diego. In the San Carlos area of San Diego, Ron attended Benchley-Weinberger Elementary School (1st-3rd) and Green Elementary (4th). The family was then stationed in the Canal Zone in Panama. Ron attended DOD schools there until the family returned once again to San Diego. Ron then attended Parkway Middle School (8th) and then graduated from Grossmont High School. Ron was a talented athlete and scholar. He was awarded all CIF in water polo his senior year as well as playing varsity Lacrosse. Ron’s favorite classes in high school were physics and tech auto shop. Both of these interests would become lifelong passions. Ron received a water polo scholarship to attend University of California at Berkeley. Ron attended and received a BS in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. Cal shaped Ron’s life in many ways. He joined the PIKE fraternity and took up many leadership roles there including Chapter President. Ron took many of his younger fraternity brothers under his wing and with his support and mentoring these young men became his second family. He counted his years at Cal alongside his PIKE brothers as some of the best of his life and was a loud and proud Bear always and forever.

From an early age, it was clear that Ron was a born leader. His uniqueness, compassion and generosity was of legendary status. The extraordinary level of his “good” cannot be taught or learned, he was simply born with it. He loved to create, invent, assemble, learn and be challenged. He had 8 turtles as pets throughout his childhood and all were named Fred. As a young inquisitive boy, Ron would catch snakes and bring them home as “gifts”. Ron’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving and a whole turkey was literally the only food he knew how to cook - and did so to perfection. Ron loved in order: Family, friends, cars, science, TV, movies, work, surfing and water polo - but more than anything, he wanted people to feel welcome. He felt everyone had a compelling story to tell and that every person had something to offer. He truly believed that the journey was more important than the destination.

Immediately after graduating from Cal, Ron started his career in the technology world at the Oracle Corporation where he worked and thrived for 11 years in Redwood Shores, CA as a top executive before his move to Salesforce in San Francisco, CA where he worked for over 7 years heralding unprecedented success in building the current ISV platform with his phenomenal team. He was then briefly plucked away by Microsoft in Seattle, Washington for 2 years in an executive leadership role until San Francisco came calling once again and he moved back to his favorite Bay as Twilio’s Chief Partner Officer. At the time of his passing, Ron was an esteemed executive and treasured colleague at Twilio where he was thoroughly enjoying the most prosperous and rewarding time of his entire career.

He was a happy, collaborative, loyal, giving and dedicated presence to everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Laughter, smiles, joy and fun followed Ron wherever he was. He had a gift of giving and generosity that was marveled by the masses. Ron was often referred to by many as their “glue” and was known as the ring leader for all. His inclusive nature and non-judgmental essence forever made everyone around him feel special, valued and accepted. His profound love, passion and dedication of his adored family and (what seems like millions) of friends was palpable and was truly the most important aspect of his universe. His top priority in life was to share his many blessings with his fleet of revered “humans”. Without question, Ron was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his loving family and he proudly proclaimed his mother, Margarita, his sister, Jennifer and his 10 year old niece, Demi, as the loves of his life. Ron radiated warmth, generosity, charm, whip sharp intellect, humor, logic, compassion and dignity. The deep respect and gratitude he had for his profession, teams, mentors, and industry served as a foundation of his genuine work-place enthusiasm and sincere kindness. His talent, wisdom and trailblazing was second to none. It is certain that Ron will be remembered most for his unwavering worship of his family and friends, brilliant mind, childlike curiosity, incredible heart, beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh, keen sense of adventure, love for travel, over-the-top generosity, his mischievous and hilarious wit – and – his ability to think that most everything in his orbit was “rad”. The unconditional and remarkable love and bond he shared with his family, friends and co-workers will never be rivaled, remain with us forever and be celebrated and cherished always.

Memorial Information Monday, October 8, 2018 5:00 to 7:00pm: Viewing Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center, 1658 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014. Tuesday, October 9, 2018 9:00am: Paddle Out The Poseidon Restaurant Beach, 1670 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 3:30pm: Service & Celebration Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center, 1658 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014.

As well, a celebration of life will take place in San Francisco on a near date soon to be announced. At the request of the Huddleston family, in lieu of flowers, please send donations on behalf of Ron to the Surfrider Foundation - www.surfrider.org